Making Your New Years Resolutions Work
Making Your New Years Resolutions Work
Every year, it's the same old thing. You make a resolution, you forget the resolution, to lose weight, stop bad habits, be kinder, have more fun. Why is it so hard to make changes?
The first element of change has to be awareness. What is it that we are doing, and why?
Often we haven't got a clue, because we are too busy, or because we are in denial. We dig our heels in. We wallow in old habits. We succumb to, fast foods, and cravings.
If you want to make a real change in your life, first take a real look at how you are living. Start with a journal. Try to keep the journal for at least 3-5 days, or up to one month. Include in the journal what you ate, type of food, portions, how it was cooked, and how you felt before and after the meal. Write down your activity level for the day. Add to the journal your interactions with others. Did you do anything enjoyable that day? Look at 4 elements, food consumption, activity level, interaction with others, and leisure activities. Your journal entries can be a paragraph, or more.
Review your journal, and look for patterns of behavior. Look for correlations regarding what you ate, how you felt, how you interacted with others.
College students kept a journal regarding their activities for one month. The student diet consisted primarily of burgers, fries, pizza; and carbonated beverages. Activity level was at a minimum, and leisure activities consisted of Friday night out. Interpersonal skills were, learning how to relate to significant others. Students after eating a fast food meal, often felt tired. Study skills, and efficiency and grade point were affected by the student's lifestyle. Out of 18 students, three were active in sports, and only one had a healthy diet.
So what is your lifestyle like? How often do you go out to eat, consume carbonated beverages, cocktails, and snacks? What is your activity level? Do you walk, swim, play sports, lift weights, and participate in Pilates or Yoga? How are you getting along with your spouse, friends, and relatives? What is your energy level? What are your health risks? Are you participating in things that you like to do?
Take the time to set up a list of areas you need to improve upon. Set up an action plan and goals.
Lose one pound every month for one year:
1.Reduce meals out at restaurants from 3 per week to one.
2. Set up appointment with a licensed physical therapist, or trainer to get a fitness assessment, and then attend gym, Pilates or Yoga studio twice weekly.
3. Consult with licensed dietician regarding weight reduction.
You keep your car tuned up, why not your body? Undergo annual health screenings for risk factors, such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
What about mental health? Have you had to deal with family conflict, or depression? Community resources are available, like the Mental Health Resource Center, social, and church organizations.
Leisure options are the arts, museums, gardens, sports, and the beach.
This time, enjoy the satisfaction of fulfilling your New Year's Resolutions through thoughtful planning. Balancing your mind, body, and spirit, will provide you with a healthful, and brighter New Year.
Susan Mann, MA,LPT,CSTS,CGFI is the owner of Pilates Center of Naples, Fla. She's a certified Pilates instructor in the West Coast Technique, a certified strength maning specialist and golf fitness instructor.
